Contents

Mikiya has a normal family consisting on his parents and his sister Azaka Kokutou. He is also the nephew of Daisuke Akimi but he refers to him as his cousin and looks up to him as an elder brother.

Shiki often refers to him as Kokutou, saying that his name reminds her of a French Poet. The poet in question is Jean Cocteau, whose Romanized name is pronounced in a nearly identical manner.

When Mikiya was in junior high, there was an interscholastic field day where six of the city’s junior high schools participated in the competition. Since Mikiya's athletic ability was poor, he was given administrative duties in health and safety instead of being chosen as a participant. He took care of the injured Fujino Asagami.[4]

In the majority of the story, Mikiya is a youth in his late teens.[3] His outward appearance has been described as plain, but cute and he is often seen wearing black clothing. His trademark look is his black-rimmed glasses.[5] Due to Lio's action, Mikiya can only use his right eye to see and one of his leg was crippled.[6]

He is gentle, sincere, perceptive, diligent, compassionate, attractive, he possesses infallible eloquence and charisma, and is infallibly judicious. He has repeatedly shown to be incredibly intelligent, logical, deductive, passionate, and strong-willed. But mostly his personality reflects his Origin "one that will never hurt others, more so than anyone else," which leads him towards a completely normal life. Mild-mannered and caring, he is someone all sorts of people and animals easily trust and become loyal to, even strangers can comfortably speak with him or listen to what he says, believing what he says and agreeing with anything he suggests. People and animals are naturally very fond of him.[3] His relationship with Lio Shirazumi was simply a simple senior/junior relationship though Lio interprets it as an unbelievable friendship.[7] Mikiya in his twenties is a natural laid-back lady-killer.[8] Mikiya prefers to be a normal being rather than a "special being", though he is not aware that he already became "special" to Shiki.[9]

He believes that crying is a "special" action that makes the person whom you are crying for "special" in return. Because he instinctively attempts to live a "normal" life as his Origin dictates, it is impossible for him to shed tears for someone unless they are truly special to him. Even after Shiki was involved in a car accident and left in a coma, although there were some tears in his eyes, he never cried fully. The only case where Mikiya cries in the entirety of Kara no Kyoukai is when he swears to take up Shiki's sin after her murder of Lio Shirazumi, when he sheds "the bloody tear of a sinner" from his left eye.

Mikiya is an overly safe driver to the point where Shiki would get frustrated.[10]

Two years ago, he made a promise with Shiki to attend college together. He discovers a doll at an exhibition his friend asked him to attend and fell in love with its flawless craftsmanship. He is so charmed by it that he sought out the creator, Touko Aozaki, and then finds her residence.

With his hopes of attending college with Shiki crushed due to her falling into a coma, Kokutou drops out of college to work under Touko as an assistant investigator. Touko holds his investigative skills with high-regard due to his ability to find her workplace, an abandoned building hidden to all except those who wish to find it. Though she doesn't think much of his deductive reasoning, she's impressed with his research diligence and thoroughness.

In August 1998, Mikiya brings over some ice cream while visiting Shiki, but Shiki is not happy to see him and says that she does not like ice cream so she decides not to eat it.

Mikiya went to Fujou apartment to investigate the recent suicide incidents. He was caught in an unconscious state by Kirie Fujou who was attracted to him when he visited Shiki in her coma state.

After Kirie suicide in September 1998, Mikiya finally wakes up and feels as if he had slept for a very long period of time. Shiki demands that he stay over at her house to finish the ice cream he bought.

Mikiya was contacted by Daisuke about an odd case when a burglar went to the police after he witness the Enjou couple's dead bodies but when the police went; they were alive. At the same time Touko asked Mikiya to accompany her to the Ogawa Apartment Complex to look around.

Touko told Mikiya to investigate all the residents of Ogawa Apartment Complex. He spent a whole month to research and he found out about Tomoe Enjou and details of Lio who is involved with Araya Soren.

Mikiya tries to enter Shiki apartment but he realized that the apartment has installed new locks. He encounters Akitaka who hands over Kanesada Kuji to him.

In February 1999, after Shirazumi left to face Shiki, Kokutou survived the fatal slash though he ended up losing an eye and some mobility in one of his legs after Shirazumi stabs him with Shiki's knife. It took over three months for Mikiya to recover from the mental damage from the blood chips drugs.[6]

Upon Touko leaving on journey, Mikiya was pretty much left unemployed. He basically has two choices. The first is making the best use of his talents, finding employment at an honest company, and honestly working his way up the corporate ladder. The second is entering one of the accounting personnel starved companies affiliated with the Ryougi Group, where he would strike out on his own, eventually becoming one of Papa Ryougi's most trusted Fixers.[16]

Kokutou is mostly just an ordinary human. Touko notes that he seems ordinary, but his Origin is "one that will never hurt others, more so than anyone else."[18] His natural ability is to find lost objects but it is almost a kind of stubbornness.[5][19] He is able to find Touko's office despite her having protected it with a Bounded Field to prevent any ordinary people from detecting it. Mikiya is somehow able to bypass it once he starts searching for her. Although ordinary, he is very talented in research and investigation in which Touko, Daisuke and Tomoe thought he could have been a detective. Daisuke often discussed various aspects of the case he was working with Mikiya because Daisuke likes to hear what Mikiya has to say as a third party observer.[20]

[v] Kara no Kyoukai - Chapter 7: "A Study in Murder (Part 2)" Movies Q & A PamphletsQ: (I bet a lot of people thought the same thing, but…) I really, really want to celebrate everyone's birthday. I'm sure my dear senseis must understand my desires, so please tell me what they are! Or at the very least, tell me Shiki and Mikiya's…

Q: (I bet a lot of people thought the same thing, but…) I really, really want to celebrate everyone's birthday. I'm sure my dear senseis must understand my desires, so please tell me what they are! Or at the very least, tell me Shiki and Mikiya's… <Shiki and Mikiya's Classmate Y>

Nasu: Shiki's birthday is February 17. Mikiya's is December 20.Takeuchi: Somehow, those dates have an "Ah, so that's how it is!" kind of feel to them.Nasu: It's because they were both born in the winter.

Mikiya Koukuto [Person's name]
A youth in his late teens. Employee of the Garan no Dou. A very normal and unremarkable individual. One of the protagonists of the story, possessing characteristics of the Yang.
Although he was related to all characters of Kara no Kyoukai, he only stepped into the maelstrom during one incident.
Mild-mannered and caring, most people were very fond of him.
... However, for some inexplicable reason he encountered Shiki, who was his polar opposite. Subsequently, he was doomed to a long-term relationship with Shiki, for better or for worse. Be careful when walking alone during snowy nights, Mikiya.
Since he symbolized the peaceful daily life, he was very popular among people who sought such things. Even after the story concluded, Mikiya still made Shiki restless.
He was an example of "the scariest things are always found closest to you in unexpected forms".
The protagonist of Tsukihime inherited the characteristics of both Mikiya and Shiki.

[v] Kara no Kyoukai - Chapter 3: “Remaining Sense of Pain” Movies Q & A PamphletsQ: When Kokutou and Fujino met in junior high school, what kind of gathering were they at? Was Fujino a participant in some kind of sporting event?

Q: When Kokutou and Fujino met in junior high school, what kind of gathering were they at? Was Fujino a participant in some kind of sporting event?

Nasu: It was an interscholastic field day. Sort of like a big rally to promote a sense of community between different schools, I guess? Around six of the city’s junior high schools participated in the competition. Needless to say, it was mainly track and field events. Since Kokutou’s athletic ability was poor, he was given administrative duties instead of being chosen as a participant. Specifically, he was put on the health detail, which is why he took care of the injured Fujino even though she was a student from another school.Takeuchi: Geez, with a job like that Mikiya must have been tripping flags with girls left and right that day without even realizing it.

Mikiya Kokutou [Person's name]
The secondary protagonist of Kara no Kyoukai.
He doesn't have a single special ability to his name. A completely normal young man in every respect. Both his outward appearance and personality are plain. His trademark look is black-rimmed glasses.
Other than that, there's not much to him. Personality-wise, he's the prototype for Tohno Shiki. Although he isn't strong, he's definitely the strongest person of all. For some reason, he's extremely talented at finding things and nothing else.
Also, though their personalities are similar, Tohno Shiki is still a child compared to Mikiya.

[v] Kara no Kyoukai - Chapter 7: "A Study in Murder (Part 2)" Movies Q & A PamphletsQ: Kokutou was force-fed a lethal dose of that drug by Lio, and then still did his best to rush to Ryougi's side. After all that, was his body okay?

Q: Kokutou was force-fed a lethal dose of that drug by Lio, and then still did his best to rush to Ryougi's side. After all that, was his body okay? <Humanity>

Nasu: As far as the drug is concerned, it required over three months of recovery. Plus, he can't even run anymore. But the worst of it was the mental damage.Takeuchi: Mental damage? Like, "I've… been tarnished…!", or something?Nasu: Please refer back to the scene from the middle act of the movie where Mikiya tries the drug and chugs water out of a plastic bottle.

Nasu: They had a simple senior/junior relationship. Though to Mikiya it was a perfectly normal acquaintanceship, to Shirazumi it was an unbelievable friendship. Or to put it another way, it was an unrequited love.Takeuchi: Shirazumi didn’t have any friends?Nasu: Going by his standards, the only person you could call his friend was Kokutou. Well, he’s a fastidious misanthrope by nature, so it stands to reason he wouldn’t have many friends. He hates both men and women alike. As for why Shiki was an exception, it’s because she was neither.

[v] Kara no Kyoukai - Chapter 2: “A Study in Murder (Part 1)” Movies Q & A PamphletsQ: Is Mikiya popular with the girls at school?

Q: Is Mikiya popular with the girls at school?

Takeuchi: That guy… he’ll blossom into a true lady-killer in about three years or so.Nasu: He’ll be a laid-back, terrifying twenty-year-old lady-killer.
Without a doubt, those cool, composed gestures will spell instant death for women that crave stability.

[v] Kara no Kyoukai - Chapter 7: "A Study in Murder (Part 2)" Movies Q & A PamphletsQ: Mikiya said he didn't want to be "special", but isn't he already "special" to Shiki?

Q: Mikiya said he didn't want to be "special", but isn't he already "special" to Shiki? <BigBroGeorge>

Nasu: Putting it into words ruins it, George.Takeuchi: "What does it mean to be special?"...That's one of the themes of Kara no Kyoukai. For example, something that's special to me would be...blonde hair.Nasu: You just got swept away in a really tiny direction!

[v] Kara no Kyoukai - Chapter 5: “Paradox Spiral” Movies Q & A PamphletsQ: Even though Kokutou got his license, it doesn’t seem like he’ll get a chance to use it. Could it be that he’ll just end up as Miss Touko’s driver?

Q: Even though Kokutou got his license, it doesn’t seem like he’ll get a chance to use it. Could it be that he’ll just end up as Miss Touko’s driver? <MAKI>

Nasu: That’s not fair! From here on out he takes Shiki along on lots of trips to hot spring resorts and things. But, because he’s an overly safe driver, Shiki always ends up frustrated by the time they finally arrive at the inn.Takeuchi: Wow, that’s really lovey-dovey, huh! Even though I already knew about it.Nasu: When the movie version comes out, it’ll be twice as lovey-dovey as it is in my head. Rakkyo, love UP!

Nasu: Mikiya’s are exceptionally average. As for Shiki, she’s an honor student during the events of Chapter 2. When she woke up after the accident, however, her past habit of truancy resurfaced and she fell out of the teachers’ good graces.Takeuchi: Not that she cared, though.

[v] Kara no Kyoukai - Chapter 2: “A Study in Murder (Part 1)” Movies Q & A PamphletsQ: Was Mikiya nervous the night before his date? When I imagine him furiously making plans about what to do… ah, I think I might fall in love!

Q: Was Mikiya nervous the night before his date? When I imagine him furiously making plans about what to do… ah, I think I might fall in love!

Nasu: He was super-nervous. I bet he able to sleep at all that night. Near the end he almost broke down and called Azaka for advice, but his pride as a man wouldn’t let him… If it were a visual novel, this would have definitely been a decision point!Takeuchi: Like, if you made the phone call, Azaka would drop everything and rush in from the countryside to butt in on the date—!?Nasu: Without a doubt, this was a pivotal moment…!

[v] Kara no Kyoukai - Chapter 2: “A Study in Murder (Part 1)” Movies Q & A PamphletsQ: What do Mikiya’s parents think of the fact that he leaves every night to go to Ryougi’s house?

Q: What do Mikiya’s parents think of the fact that he leaves every night to go to Ryougi’s house?

Takeuchi: Oddly enough they never noticed. You know, I actually snuck out at night to go have fun a lot myself, when I was younger.Nasu: My family was pretty laid back in that regard. Like, ”You’re going out? Well, if you’re not back by midnight be quiet when you come in, you don’t want to wake your father.” But still, doing it every night would have been a bit much. *laugh*

[v] Kara no Kyoukai - Chapter 3: “Remaining Sense of Pain” Movies Q & A PamphletsQ: Was Mikiya able to keep his cool even when Fujino stayed the night in his apartment?

Q: Was Mikiya able to keep his cool even when Fujino stayed the night in his apartment?

Nasu: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, that boy has the patience of a saint! It’s abnormal! …Well, he had to step outside to cool his head when she took a shower, but still.Takeuchi: In the original book, didn’t he excuse himself to go buy cigarettes, even though he doesn’t actually smoke?Nasu: That was also out of concern for Fujino. Seems like the poor guy really was nervous, huh?
Takeuchi: Ah… just once, I’d like to be able to come off cool under pressure like that, you know…?

[v] Kara no Kyoukai - Chapter 5: “Paradox Spiral” Movies Q & A PamphletsQ: At the very end, Shiki skillfully obtained the key to Mikiya’s apartment. Though I think it would be wonderful if she occasionally lets herself in, spiritedly cooks up a meal, and then waits for Mikiya to come back, how will the key actually be used?

Q: At the very end, Shiki skillfully obtained the key to Mikiya’s apartment. Though I think it would be wonderful if she occasionally lets herself in, spiritedly cooks up a meal, and then waits for Mikiya to come back, how will the key actually be used? <Snowy Night>

Nasu: Beeeeeep. Attention, attention, this is an official announcement. The aforementioned scenario has been formally adopted by Nasu Kinoko’s brain. Later, Mr. Takeuchi will illustrate it.Takeuchi: If I draw it, though, won’t it become such an embarrassingly sugary-sweet episode that you won’t even be able to look directly at it?Nasu: That’s exactly what I want. Batter up!

[v] Kara no Kyoukai - Chapter 7: "A Study in Murder (Part 2)" Movies Q & A PamphletsQ: What happened to Mikiya, after Touko left on her journey and thrust him headlong into the road of unemployment? Could it be, he secured a permanent position in the Ryougi Group right off the bat!?

Q: What happened to Mikiya, after Touko left on her journey and thrust him headlong into the road of unemployment? Could it be, he secured a permanent position in the Ryougi Group right off the bat!? <Chidori>

Takeuchi: A lot of people asked about this, too. "Did he become a NEET? Did he become a shut-in?" …Seems people don't have a very high opinion of him.Nasu: He basically has two choices. The first is making the best use of his talents, finding employment at an honest company, and honestly working his way up the corporate ladder. The second is entering one of the accounting personnel starved companies affiliated with the Ryougi Group, where he would strike out on his own, eventually becoming one of Papa Ryougi's most trusted Fixers. I'll leave it up to the fans. Which one do you guys think he should do?Takeuchi: Wait a minute, isn't this an important decision?

A: It seems like she wants to find one, but it also seems like she wants to stay single as long as possible... Miss Mitsuzuri is still fully interested in maidenhood, so she’ll probably be shot down soon after she enters college. By a young man suited to black-rimmed glassses, harmless to man and beast. ...I think I’ve seen a photo of those two somewhere...

[v] Kara no Kyoukai - Chapter 3: “Remaining Sense of Pain” Movies Q & A PamphletsQ: Is Kokutou’s ability to find lost objects an extension of his natural constitution?

Q: Is Kokutou’s ability to find lost objects an extension of his natural constitution?

Nasu: It’s in his nature. Or rather, he’s too sincere for his own good. It’s almost a kind of stubbornness, in a way.Takeuchi: So then was that almost-stalking event from Chapter 2 another one of his natural abilities?Nasu: This again? Didn’t you bring it up in the last Q&A, too? Anyway, yes, it was his natural ability. I mean, if it was you, do you think you’d have it in you to stake out a Yakuza stronghold for days upon days for the sake of someone you fell in love with!? That’s crazy!

[v] Kara no Kyoukai - Chapter 2: “A Study in Murder (Part 1)” Movies Q & A PamphletsQ: Daisuke often discussed various aspects of the case he was working with Mikiya. I have to ask, has Mikiya been the real brains of the operation all this time?

Q: Daisuke often discussed various aspects of the case he was working with Mikiya. I have to ask, has Mikiya been the real brains of the operation all this time?

Takeuchi: I’m sorry, Uncle!Nasu: All right, now that Daisuke is asleep, the Great Reasoning begins! …Anyway, it’s not like they have logic battles at the scene of the crime or anything, but occasionally Daisuke likes to hear what Mikiya has to say as a third party observer.